[i]Tuesday, 29 November, 2005
Honolua Bay, Hawaii, USA
BILLABONG PRO MAUI (8 December 20 December)
Photo courtesy of www.aspworldtour.com
Live on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com
Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) has the odds stacked in her favour to win the 2005 ASP Womens World Tour crown heading into the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines.
The stylish goofy-footer is defending event champion at the world famous Hawaiian break of Honolua Bay and is well-placed, at 612 ratings points ahead of reigning world champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER).[/i]The two-way showdown between the 22 year-old best-mates has been inevitable as despite coming from different countries Georgeson (from Queensland, Australias Gold Coast) and Mulanovich (from the town of Punta Hermosa, just south of Lima, Peru) have come through the ranks on a parallel rise.
Between them they have won six of the eight ASP Womens World Tour events staged so far this year, with three wins apiece. But its Georgeson who now holds the number one ranking with Mulanovich requiring a win or a second to retain her crown, and even with a win in Maui, should Georgeson come second, shed be forced to relinquish it. If Mulanovich places second, Georgeson can win with a fifth.
We are really good friends, said Georgeson from Hawaii. We just try to push each other to surf better and help raise the level of womens surfing. Despite what happens in contests we are always happy for each other. It just makes you want to win more if your friend wins! Its good friendly rivalry.
Georgeson trailed Mulanovich for most of the season but with perfect timing has taken the lead on the Hawaiian home leg. Her stunning victory in the recent Haleiwa event has her heading into the Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines with the world title clearly in her sights.
Im really happy, excited, amped everything! But it’s not over yet! It’s the best reward when you give it everything you’ve got and you come out on top, said Georgeson on holding the ratings lead. It [being defending champion] gives you a bit of extra confidence, it’s a beautiful wave and I really enjoy surfing Maui.
Latin American Mulanovich is known for her determination and has proven time and again that she is not to be underestimated. Even though she has dropped behind Georgeson her focus certainly has not waned and she will be extremely difficult to stop.
\I have nothing to lose. It will come down to how I surf, said Mulanovich. I really don’t feel as much pressure anymore. Whatever happens, happens for a reason. I’m stoked either way being number two.\”